Has anyone grown potatoes in a container?

[Faster horses]

I'm hoping to grow potatoes in an oak barrel, a black tub and 2 5-gallon buckets.
The seed potatoes have sprouted. In regard to hilling, what I have read is that I should cover them with 3" of dirt.
Let them get through the dirt, then cover them with 6" of dirt. I'm wondering about covering
them with 3" of dirt now because they have just come through the soil. Is that what I should do now?
Or should I let them get bigger?

Any tips will be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Nicky]

My neighbor grew them in protein tubs last year, said they got kinda compacted so this year she layered straw and dirt. Put them on a straw layer. Make sure they have plenty of dirt and or straw below them, cover with 3" then keep covering every little while. (This advice is worth what you paid for it!!!)

 

[Faster horses]

My neighbor grew them in protein tubs last year, said they got kinda compacted so this year she layered straw and dirt. Put them on a straw layer. Make sure they have plenty of dirt and or straw below them, cover with 3" then keep covering every little while. (This advice is worth what you paid for it!!!)

Thanks Nicky. I started with only about 3" of dirt but I plan to keep 'hilling' them by adding more dirt as we go. I bought potting soil so hopefully it won't compact, but layering the straw sounds like a good idea.

BTW we saw some outstanding yearling red Angus heifers today. They are breeding them some hi tech way. I'll have to find out what it is called exactly. They said they were putting 24 embryos in one heifer. I thought that would be better suited for older cows, but what do i know? I guess this is some fancy heifer...or something. They sure looked good!

 

[Puzzled]

Have never grown potatoes in a container, always just dug a whole and planted. But have heard of individuals growing them in hay or straw.
So, I looked up different methods of planting the potato It was interesting to see how versatile the plant is. Was impressed with the individual that was growing them year round.

 

[Faster horses]

Have never grown potatoes in a container, always just dug a whole and planted. But have heard of individuals growing them in hay or straw.
So, I looked up different methods of planting the potato It was interesting to see how versatile the plant is. Was impressed with the individual that was growing them year round.

So what did you learn? I read where it is good to layer straw in the containers so the dirt doesn't compact.
I don't have straw so I bought potting mix. I hope it works okay.
Several have sprouted and have green leaves so, so far so good!
I don't have a green thumb and I don't want to mess up! It's been so long since I planted potatoes!

 

[Puzzled]

Pretty much what you and Nicky already know.

Usually they start with soil, potatoes are just laid on top, then a layer of soil and or hay/straw. As the plant grows up through
the hay/straw you add another layer of soil and or hay/straw. And repeat as the plant grows.

But I think soil compaction and over watering are main concerns.

These videos seemed more intelligent than most. First one shows planting, second one is harvest.
I know you know how to harvest them But thought you might like to see her results as far as to
the amount she harvested.

 

[Faster horses]

Thanks, Puzzled. That was better than anything I found. Appreciate your help!